Public Market Gearing Up For New Season

Katrina Fuller

County Reporter

kfuller@post-journal.com

The Jamestown Public Market is scheduled to open June 9.
P-J file photo

Residents can find the Jamestown Public Market at the same place downtown this summer, but the schedule will be a little different this year.

The market is gearing up to open in June with a few big changes for the upcoming season, according to Linnea Carlson, Public Market manager. Due to federal funding to improve the market, Carlson said there will be an expansion of programming and advertisements that will help the farmers and vendors of the markets, but also will encourage more area residents to attend them.

Last year, the market received a $180,000 grant through the USDA to support the market and enhance its offerings for many years. Jamestown was one of 52 cities in the nation selected to receive the Farmers Market Promotion Program Funding.

“There is a big focus on increasing programming at the market,” Carlson said. “We’re going to be offering weekly children’s activities.”

The market will feature a group called “The Jamestown Public Market Sprouts Club,” which will provide fun and educational events for children. The group will be sponsored by the Jamestown Pediatric Association and will include events such as farmer’s market bingo and a program with Lego where the first 100 children will receive a Lego set.

The fun isn’t only for kids, as the market will also feature events for adults, such as demonstrations and new recipes to try.

Carlson said the market will open on June 9. The hours are a little late this year as the market will be open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On opening day, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the changes to the market. Carlson said it will be attended by County Executive George Borrello and State Sen. Cathy Young.

“We’re really excited for everything we have planned,” she said. “We’re looking forward to making it fun for everyone from age 8 to age 80.

Carlson said the market will continue to accept credit and debit cards as well as food stamps. She said thanks to a program called The Field and Fork Network, the food stamp dollars used at the market are doubled.